Who Are You Watching?
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)
Everyday I am amazed at how bonded these two have become. Gabby (the 18 lb., black, 9-year-old) is so patient with Carrots (5-month-old little monster). Yes, of course they do play rough, box each other and chase around the house, but at the end of the day, this is what we often see. Notice that even their feet are identically placed.
Carrots watches everything that Gabby does. But there are just some behaviors that Gabby never had. He was never a counter surfer, plant digger, or food hound. Carrots? Well, he displays all of those and more.
I find it very interesting that Carrots watches every move that Gabby makes. Does he try to do it? Not all the time but quite often I observe him trying out Gabby behaviors. They don’t fit him yet, but I’m hopeful that he will grow into them. He is becoming a good mouser—thanks to Gabby.
This made me think about who in this world we are watching. I cannot give a one-person answer. I have several that I watch carefully. My Bible study sisters, my shepherd at my church and a couple of my dear friends with whom I graduated from high school. On the earthly side, they are my guides on my faith journey.
But what makes them special? We are on the same ultimate path. Our journeys have varied but that is what makes our relationships so unique. We all have come together bringing our personal history. We watch, share, sort out our thoughts and feelings with each other and then go out with more confidence.
The heavenly side has but one answer to that question ‘Who are you watching?’ The answer is easy: the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His Word, we read (watch) to see how He handled human emotions and events. We know that during His years on earth, there were many who watched Him constantly; not as an example of how to live but as a threat to their positions.
Watching others offers a great form of learning, protection, and growing. Everyday we see someone that we do not want to emulate. However, when we meet that cheerful, loving, caring, joyful person, it is well worth our time to sit a spell and watch with rapt attention.
Like Carrots with Gabby, he is learning from the best. Who is the best in your life? Who are you watching?
Gracious Father, thank You for Your loving guidance. Help us never to take our eyes off You and to walk with our strong friends that You have provided. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston